Flu Season. As of December 1, 2017, until March 31, 2018, under the Influenza Prevention Policy (attached), VCH staff, including all casuals and excluded staff; physicians, volunteers and contractors/consultants are required to have had the flu shot or wear a mask while in patient care areas and facilities. Please arrange to either get your flu shot by December 1 (free with a care card and Health Authority Photo ID) or you will be required to wear a mask at all times when you are within the public and patient areas of the hospital. Patient care areas have been determined to include the lobbies and general public areas of Acute Facilities. If you choose to get your flu shot, please let the PM s on your projects know that you ve done so by sharing a copy of the paperwork you receive or they ll be expecting to see you in a mask. If you have further questions or concerns, please contact a PM on one of your projects. Thank you for your cooperation. PUBLIC CLINIC LOCATOR http://immunizebc.ca/clinics/flu#8/49.246/-123.116
Influenza Prevention Policy PH_200 Influenza Prevention Policy 1. Introduction Description Influenza can be a serious contagious disease spread by droplet transmission through close contact with an infected individual. The Public Health Agency of Canada estimates that in a given year there are an average of 12,200 hospitalizations related to influenza 1-3 and approximately 3,500 deaths attributable to influenza. 4 Infected individuals are highly contagious and can transmit influenza for 24 hours before they are symptomatic. Among vaccine-preventable diseases, influenza causes by far the most deaths, outpacing all other vaccine-preventable diseases combined. Hospitalized patients are frequently more vulnerable to influenza than members of the general population. Influenza in vulnerable groups, especially the elderly, the very young and the immunosuppressed, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. It is a major contributor to hospitalizations in winter. Health care workers have been implicated as the source of influenza in health care settings. Vaccination of health care workers will reduce their risk of getting influenza and spreading it to patients. The most effective strategy for preventing influenza is annual vaccination. Influenza vaccine is safe and effective. The wearing of procedure masks can serve as a method of source control of infected health care workers who may have had no symptoms. Procedure masks may also protect unvaccinated health care workers from as yet unrecognized infected patients or visitors with influenza. Other infection control measures such as rapid identification of ill patients, hand hygiene, cough etiquette, restrictions on work and visiting, and the use of anti-viral medications all help but vaccination remains the cornerstone of efforts to control influenza transmission. Scope This policy applies to all Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) Staff members who attend or may attend a Patient Care Location. This policy also applies to visitors who attend a Patient Care Location. 2. Policy 2.1. Policy Statement All individuals covered by this policy must be vaccinated annually against Influenza or wear a procedure mask during the Policy Application Period when in a Patient Care Location in accordance with this policy. During an Influenza outbreak, the MHO may implement additional influenza prevention and control measures. This material has been prepared solely for use at Vancouver Coastal Health Authority (VCH). VCH accepts no responsibility for use of this material by any person or organization not associated with VCH. A printed copy of this document may not reflect the current, electronic version on the VCH Intranet. Effective Date: September 21, 2016 VCH Policy Page 1 of 4
Influenza Prevention Policy PH_200 2.2. Responsibilities 2.2.1. Staff All Staff members: Must annually advise VCH of their Influenza immunization status in a manner acceptable to VCH by the Policy Application Date. If unimmunized during the Policy Application Period, must wear a procedure mask provided by VCH while at a Patient Care Location. Staff will be responsible for maintaining their mask in good condition in accordance with VCH protocols. Must continue to use personal protective equipment and abide by VCH s infection control practices to prevent the transmission of communicable disease, including Influenza. Who experience Influenza-like illness/respiratory infection, must follow VCH s established reporting protocol by calling the Employee Absence Call Line. 2.3. 2.2.2. Compliance Visitors Who witness any instances of non-compliance with this policy will report the incident of non-compliance immediately to their supervisor. Visitors who are not vaccinated against Influenza are required to wear a procedure mask provided by VCH while at a Patient Care Location. VCH will inform visitors of the requirements of this policy by means of posters and will make procedure masks available to visitors. Any Staff member found in violation of this policy may be subject to remedial and/or disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment, cancellation of contract and/or revocation of privileges. Any Visitor found in violation of this policy may be denied access to Patient Care Locations. 3. References 1. Schanzer DL, Mcgeer A, Morris K. Statistical estimates of respiratory admissions attributable to seasonal and pandemic influenza for Canada. Influenza and other Respiratory Viruses. 2013;7(5):799-808. 2. Schanzer DL, Langley JM, Tam TWS. Role of influenza and other respiratory viruses in admissions of adults to Canadian hospitals. Influenza and other Respiratory Viruses. 2008;2(1):1-8. This material has been prepared solely for use at Vancouver Coastal Health Authority (VCH). VCH accepts no responsibility for use of this material by any person or organization not associated with VCH. A printed copy of this document may not reflect the current, electronic version on the VCH Intranet. Effective Date: September 21, 2016 VCH Policy Page 2 of 4
Influenza Prevention Policy PH_200 3. Schanzer DL, Langley JM, Tam TW. Hospitalization attributable to influenza and other viral respiratory illnesses in Canadian children. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2006;25(0891-3668; 0891-3668; 9):795-800. 4. Schanzer DL, Sevenhuysen C, Winchester B, et al. Estimating influenza deaths in Canada, 1992-2009. PLoS ONE. 2013;8(11). Related Policies Baseline Health/Immunization Assessment Definitions Influenza is a viral infection of the respiratory system. Symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle ache, extreme fatigue and headache. Unlike the common cold and most other respiratory viruses commonly called the flu, influenza virus infection can result in severe illness, pneumonia and even death. The incubation period of influenza is one to three days; the duration of virus shedding is usually not more than five days after onset of symptoms. Patient Care Location includes any building, property, or site owned, leased, rented or operated by VCH where there are clients who are receiving care; and any client home or other location where covered individuals interact with clients in the course of their work for VCH. This does not include any location designated by VCH to be excluded from this definition. Policy Application Date is the date established annually by the Provincial Health Officer after which all persons covered under this policy are required to be vaccinated against influenza or wear a mask in accordance with this policy. The Vaccination Required Date will usually be no later than the first week of December. Policy Application Period is a period of time determined by the Provincial Health Officer and starting on the Vaccination Required Date. The Policy Application Period will usually be from the beginning of December until the end of March but may vary with seasonal epidemiology and will also include any period of time relating to novel strains of influenza. During this period, Covered Individuals will be required to be vaccinated against influenza or wear a surgical/procedure mask in accordance with this policy. Staff means all employees (including management and leadership), medical staff (including physicians, midwives, dentists and nurse practitioners), residents, fellows and trainees, health care professionals, students, volunteers, contractors and other service providers engaged by VCH. This material has been prepared solely for use at Vancouver Coastal Health Authority (VCH). VCH accepts no responsibility for use of this material by any person or organization not associated with VCH. A printed copy of this document may not reflect the current, electronic version on the VCH Intranet. Effective Date: September 21, 2016 VCH Policy Page 3 of 4
Influenza Prevention Policy PH_200 Questions Contact: VCH Workplace Health Program at ohnp@vch.ca Issued by: Name: Dr. Patricia Daly Title: Vice President, Public Health Date: July 21, 2016 Signature of issuing official This material has been prepared solely for use at Vancouver Coastal Health Authority (VCH). VCH accepts no responsibility for use of this material by any person or organization not associated with VCH. A printed copy of this document may not reflect the current, electronic version on the VCH Intranet. Effective Date: September 21, 2016 VCH Policy Page 4 of 4
Influenza Prevention Policy Frequently Asked Questions Contractors and Health Service Providers Influenza or the flu can be a serious contagious disease, which is spread by droplet transmission through close contact with an infected person. Infected individuals are highly contagious and can transmit the virus for 24 hours before they show any symptoms. Each year, there are approximately 3,500 deaths from influenza and its complications across Canada. Influenza causes by far the most deaths among vaccine-preventable diseases, outpacing all others combined. Hospitalized patients and seniors in residential care are more vulnerable to influenza than healthy adults. The vaccine is also less effective in the elderly and those with compromised immune systems, making it even more important that their caregivers are vaccinated. Infected health care providers can pass the virus on to their patients before they even know they are sick. The most effective way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated and adopting additional preventative measures, such as proper hand hygiene and proper sneezing and coughing etiquette. Immunization helps physicians, health care providers and those who come into regular contact with patients reduce their risk of contracting influenza and spreading it to their patients. To protect patients in our facilities, in 2012 British Columbia s health authorities adopted the Influenza Prevention Policy, requiring all employees, students, physicians, residents, contractors, vendors and volunteers to get immunized or to wear a mask during influenza season when in a patient care area. To further protect patients, the policy was expanded to include all visitors to our health care facilities. The policy applies to ALL contractors, who work in Health Authority owned and operated patient care settings, such as hospitals residential/long-term care homes and community health care centres. In addition, the policy applies to contracted agencies that receive health authority funding support AND provide patient care or patient care services in the community. Table below delineates contracted agencies that provide services in the community by policy application (yes or no). 1 Sept 2016
Policy applies to the following contracted facilities or services provided in the community LTCF (licensed) Mental health housing (licensed) Addictions housing (licensed) Hospice (licensed) Acquired injury (licensed) Equipment loans programs Addictions counselors doing individual or group therapy Home support services (personal care, medication assistance, dietary) that may be provided in assisted living facilities Policy applies, however, facilities can apply for temporary exemption* Community living homes (licensed) Policy applies based on individual case review by Health Authority (Policy applies if health care is provided to majority of residents) Child and youth residential (licensed) Assisted living facilities Policy does not apply to the entire facility, though policy will apply to HA funded or employed health care workers providing care within the facility Supportive housing for seniors Smaller detox housing (not licensed) Emergency shelters Drop in day shelters Meal programs (meals on wheels, community kitchen) Group education sessions Adult day centres Childhood Development Centres Child care centres How do I comply with the Influenza Prevention Policy this year? 2 Sept 2016
As a contractor and health service provider, you are covered by the policy, and must get a vaccination or wear a mask in patient care areas during the required vaccination period. Please report your vaccination choice to your supervisor. By reporting your flu vaccination, you are in compliance with the policy for the rest of the influenza season. If you report that you choose to decline vaccination, you will be required to wear a surgical/procedure mask in patient care areas for the duration of the influenza season to comply with the policy. What is a patient care area? A patient care area/location is defined as an area within a health care facility, including a contracted facility, hallways or lobbies, which is accessible to patients, residents or clients who are there to access care or services. It includes any other location where care is provided, such as home and community care locations (including a client s home). It does not include locations such as administrative areas or private offices, which are not generally accessed by patients, residents or clients. I work in a counselling role with my clients. Am I covered by this policy? Yes, you are covered by the policy and must get a vaccination or wear a mask during the required vaccination period. The policy applies whether you are providing services in an office, home or community environment. I work in an administrative role and do not provide direct patient/client care. Am I covered by this policy? Yes, you are covered by the policy anytime you are in a patient care area. For example, if you work in an office environment where there are no patients or clients, you are not required to be vaccinated or wear a mask. However, if you work in an office environment where patients or clients might be present, you are required to be vaccinated or to wear a mask. You are also required to vaccinate or mask anytime you leave your office and go into a patient care area such as a public hallway or washroom, or any other area where there are patients or clients present. Am I covered by this policy if I am providing a non-health related service to a health authority, such as construction or courier services? Yes, you are covered by the policy anytime you are in a patient care area. 3 Sept 2016
What is the required vaccination period? The required vaccination period will be declared by the provincial health officer usually at the beginning of December, and will typically last until the end of March. During this period, all contractors and health service providers must have received a flu vaccination or wear a mask. All visitors will be asked to wear a mask if they haven t received a flu shot. When and where do I have to wear a mask? While the most effective way to prevent the transmission of influenza is to receive a flu shot, if you are not vaccinated you must wear a procedure mask whenever you are in a patient care area during the required vaccination period. What type of mask should I wear? Procedure masks are recognized for use in this policy. These have been shown to be effective in preventing the transmission of influenza. When do masks need to be changed? Simply change your mask when it gets overly moist there is no set time designated when you need to change your mask. It is important that you dispose of your used masks appropriately. Please dispose of masks in an available garbage can, and follow proper hand hygiene protocols before replacing with a new mask. Where can I get my flu shot? There are many places that you can get immunized: At your own doctor s office At a local pharmacy You can find a flu clinic by calling 8-1-1 or visiting the flu clinic locator at www.health.gov.bc.ca/flu/. How much does it cost to get vaccinated? There is no charge for the flu shot if you identify yourself as a health care provider, regardless of where you receive the vaccine. 4 Sept 2016
Date Start Time End Time Location name Address City Room location Phone Details 16-Oct 7:30 6:30 Vancouver General Hospital 2775 Laurel Street Vancouver Gordon and Leslie Diamond Centre Lobby 604.875.4111 Drop in for staff & visitors. Must bring Care Card. 17-Oct 7:30 6:30 Vancouver General Hospital 2775 Laurel Street Vancouver Gordon and Leslie Diamond Centre Lobby 604.875.4111 Drop in for staff & visitors. Must bring Care Card. 17-Oct 12:00 4:00 Lion's Manor 9020 Bridgeport Road Richmond Fentiman Meeting Room 604.675.2590 Drop in for staff 18-Oct 7:30 6:30 Vancouver General Hospital 2775 Laurel Street Vancouver Gordon and Leslie Diamond Centre Lobby 604.875.4111 Drop in for staff & visitors. Must bring Care Card. 18-Oct 9:00 2:00 GF Strong 4255 Laurel Street Vancouver Lobby 604.734.1313 Drop in for staff & visitors. Must bring Care Card. 18-Oct 12:00 4:00 Minoru Residence 6111 Minoru Boulevard Richmond Large Conference Room 604.244.5300 Drop in for staff & visitors. Must bring Care Card. 19-Oct 7:30 6:30 Vancouver General Hospital 2775 Laurel Street Vancouver Gordon and Leslie Diamond Centre Lobby 604.875.4111 Drop in for staff & visitors. Must bring Care Card. 19-Oct 12:00 4:00 Richmond Hospital 7000 Westminster Highway Richmond Atrium Lounge (between Gift Shop & Info. Desk) 604.278.9711 Drop in for staff & visitors. Must bring Care Card. 19-Oct 1:00 3:00 Sechelt Hospital 5544 Sunshine Coast Highway Sechelt Large Boardroom 604.885.2224 Drop in for staff & visitors. Must bring Care Card. 19-Oct 12:30 4:30 Willingdon Creek Village Residential Care 4980 Kiwanis Ave. Powell River Multi-Purpose Room 604.485.9868 Drop in for staff & visitors. Must bring Care Card. 19-Oct 12:00 4:00 Cedarview Lodge 1200 Cedar Village Close North Vancouver Large Boardroom 604.904.6400 Drop in for staff 20-Oct 7:30 6:30 Vancouver General Hospital 2775 Laurel Street Vancouver Gordon and Leslie Diamond Centre Lobby 604.875.4111 Drop in for staff & visitors. Must bring Care Card. 20-Oct 7:00 11:00 Richmond Hospital 7000 Westminster Highway Richmond Atrium Lounge (between Gift Shop & Info. Desk) 604.278.9711 Drop in for staff & visitors. Must bring Care Card. 20-Oct 2:00 4:00 Kiwanis Care Centre North Vancouver 2444 Burr Place North Vancouver Hallway Outside Boardroom 604.924.8300 Drop in for staff & visitors. Must bring Care Card. 20-Oct 11:00 4:00 Banfield Pavilion 2785 Ash Street Vancouver Room 106 604.875.4111 Drop in for staff 23-Oct 7:30 6:30 Vancouver General Hospital 2775 Laurel Street Vancouver Gordon and Leslie Diamond Centre Lobby 604.875.4111 Drop in for staff & visitors. Must bring Care Card. 24-Oct 7:30 6:30 Vancouver General Hospital 2775 Laurel Street Vancouver Gordon and Leslie Diamond Centre Lobby 604.875.4111 Drop in for staff & visitors. Must bring Care Card. 24-Oct 12:00 5:00 GF Strong 4255 Laurel Street Vancouver Lobby 604.734.1313 Drop in for staff & visitors. Must bring Care Card. 24-Oct 6:30 4:30 UBC Hospital 2211 Wesbrook Mall Vancouver Koerner Pavillion (outside of cafeteria) 604.822.7121 Drop in for staff & visitors. Must bring Care Card. 24-Oct 10:00 4:00 Powell River Hospital 5000 Joyce Avenue Powell River Conference Room 1 604.485.3211 Drop in for staff & visitors. Must bring Care Card. 24-Oct 11:00 4:00 Evergreen House 231 15th St E North Vancouver Main lobby 604.988.3131 Drop in for staff 25-Oct 7:30 6:30 Vancouver General Hospital 2775 Laurel Street Vancouver Gordon and Leslie Diamond Centre Lobby 604.875.4111 Drop in for staff & visitors. Must bring Care Card. 25-Oct 10:00 6:00 Lion's Gate Hospital 231 East 15th Street North Vancouver Main Lobby near Gift Shop 604.988.3131 Drop in for staff & visitors. Must bring Care Card. 25-Oct 12:00 4:00 Minoru Residence 6111 Minoru Boulevard Richmond Small Conference Room 604.244.5300 Drop in for staff & visitors. Must bring Care Card. 25-Oct 12:00 5:00 Squamish General Hospital 38140 Behrner Drive Squamish Cafeteria 604.892.5211 Drop in for staff & visitors. Must bring Care Card. 25-Oct 9:00 5:00 UBC Hospital 2211 Wesbrook Mall Vancouver Koerner Pavillion (outside of cafeteria) 604.822.7121 Drop in for staff & visitors. Must bring Care Card. 26-Oct 7:30 6:30 Vancouver General Hospital 2775 Laurel Street Vancouver Gordon and Leslie Diamond Centre Lobby 604.875.4111 Drop in for staff & visitors. Must bring Care Card. 26-Oct 7:00 3:00 Lion's Gate Hospital 231 East 15th Street North Vancouver Main Lobby near Gift Shop 604.988.3131 Drop in for staff & visitors. Must bring Care Card. 26-Oct 12:00 4:00 Richmond Hospital 7000 Westminster Highway Richmond Atrium Lounge (between Gift Shop & Info. Desk) 604.278.9711 Drop in for staff & visitors. Must bring Care Card. 26-Oct 1:00 3:00 Sechelt Hospital 5544 Sunshine Coast Highway Sechelt Large Boardroom 604.885.2224 Drop in for staff & visitors. Must bring Care Card. 26-Oct 9:00 5:00 UBC Hospital 2211 Wesbrook Mall Vancouver Koerner Pavillion (outside of cafeteria) 604.822.7121 Drop in for staff & visitors. Must bring Care Card. 26-Oct 10:00 4:00 Powell River Hospital 5000 Joyce Avenue Powell River Conference Room 1 604.485.3211 Drop in for staff & visitors. Must bring Care Card. 26-Oct 11:00 3:00 Minoru Residence 6111 Minoru Boulevard Richmond Large Conference Room 604.244.5300 Drop in for staff 27-Oct 7:30 6:30 Vancouver General Hospital 2775 Laurel Street Vancouver Gordon and Leslie Diamond Centre Lobby 604.875.4111 Drop in for staff & visitors. Must bring Care Card. 27-Oct 7:00 3:00 Lion's Gate Hospital 231 East 15th Street North Vancouver Main Lobby near Gift Shop 604.988.3131 Drop in for staff & visitors. Must bring Care Card. 27-Oct 7:00 11:00 Richmond Hospital 7000 Westminster Highway Richmond Atrium Lounge (between Gift Shop & Info. Desk) 604.278.9711 Drop in for staff & visitors. Must bring Care Card. 27-Oct 10:00 12:00 Kiwanis Care Centre North Vancouver 2444 Burr Place North Vancouver Hallway Outside Boardroom 604.924.8300 Drop in for staff & visitors. Must bring Care Card. 27-Oct 11:00 4:00 George Pearson Centre 700 West 57th Avenue Vancouver Cafeteria 604.321.3231 Drop in for staff 30-Oct 9:00 6:30 Vancouver General Hospital 2775 Laurel Street Vancouver Gordon and Leslie Diamond Centre Lobby 604.875.4111 Drop in for staff & visitors. Must bring Care Card. 31-Oct 9:00 6:30 Vancouver General Hospital 2775 Laurel Street Vancouver Gordon and Leslie Diamond Centre Lobby 604.875.4111 Drop in for staff & visitors. Must bring Care Card. 31-Oct 9:00 2:00 GF Strong 4255 Laurel Street Vancouver Lobby 604.734.1313 Drop in for staff & visitors. Must bring Care Card.
31-Oct 6:30 4:30 UBC Hospital 2211 Wesbrook Mall Vancouver Koerner Pavillion (outside of cafeteria) 604.822.7121 Drop in for staff & visitors. Must bring Care Card. 31-Oct 10:00 11:30 Powell River Hospital 5000 Joyce Avenue Powell River Conference Room 1 604.485.3211 Drop in for staff 31-Oct 12:15 3:30 Powell River Hospital 5000 Joyce Avenue Powell River Conference Room 1 604.485.3211 Drop in for staff 1-Nov 9:00 6:30 Vancouver General Hospital 2775 Laurel Street Vancouver Gordon and Leslie Diamond Centre Lobby 604.875.4111 Drop in for staff & visitors. Must bring Care Card. 1-Nov 9:00 5:00 UBC Hospital 2211 Wesbrook Mall Vancouver Koerner Pavillion (outside of cafeteria) 604.822.7121 Drop in for staff & visitors. Must bring Care Card. 2-Nov 9:00 6:30 Vancouver General Hospital 2775 Laurel Street Vancouver Gordon and Leslie Diamond Centre Lobby 604.875.4111 Drop in for staff & visitors. Must bring Care Card. 2-Nov 9:00 5:00 UBC Hospital 2211 Wesbrook Mall Vancouver Koerner Pavillion (outside of cafeteria) 604.822.7121 Drop in for staff & visitors. Must bring Care Card. 2-Nov 10:00 11:30 Powell River Hospital 5000 Joyce Avenue Powell River Conference Room 1 604.485.3211 Drop in for staff 2-Nov 12:15 3:30 Powell River Hospital 5000 Joyce Avenue Powell River Conference Room 1 604.485.3211 Drop in for staff 3-Nov 9:00 6:30 Vancouver General Hospital 2775 Laurel Street Vancouver Gordon and Leslie Diamond Centre Lobby 604.875.4111 Drop in for staff & visitors. Must bring Care Card. 6-Nov 10:00 4:00 Richmond Hospital 7000 Westminster Highway Richmond Atrium Lounge (between Gift Shop & Info. Desk) 604.278.9711 Drop in for staff 7-Nov 9:30 12:00 Sechelt Hospital 5544 Sunshine Coast Highway Sechelt Large Boardroom 604.885.2224 Drop in for staff 7-Nov 1:30 2:30 Shorncliffe Intermediate Care Facility 5847 Medusa Street Sechelt The Meeting Room 604.885.5126 Drop in for staff 8-Nov 10:00 4:00 Richmond Hospital 7000 Westminster Highway Richmond Atrium Lounge (between Gift Shop & Info. Desk) 604.278.9711 Drop in for staff 9-Nov 9:30 12:00 Sechelt Hospital 5544 Sunshine Coast Highway Sechelt Large Boardroom 604.885.2224 Drop in for staff 9-Nov 1:30 2:30 Shorncliffe Intermediate Care Facility 5847 Medusa Street Sechelt The Meeting Room 604.885.5126 Drop in for staff 10-Nov 10:00 4:00 Vancouver General Hospital 899 12th Avenue West Vancouver Jim Pattison Pavilion Ground Floor Courtyard 604.875.4111 Drop in for staff 14-Nov 10:00 4:00 Lion's Gate Hospital 231 East 15th Street North Vancouver Main Lobby near Gift Shop 604.988.3131 Drop in for staff 15-Nov 10:00 4:00 Vancouver General Hospital 899 12th Avenue West Vancouver Jim Pattison Pavilion Ground Floor Courtyard 604.875.4111 Drop in for staff 16-Nov 10:00 4:00 Lion's Gate Hospital 231 East 15th Street North Vancouver Main Lobby near Gift Shop 604.988.3131 Drop in for staff 17-Nov 10:00 4:00 Vancouver General Hospital 899 12th Avenue West Vancouver Jim Pattison Pavilion Ground Floor Courtyard 604.875.4111 Drop in for staff 21-Nov 10:00 2:00 Squamish General Hospital 38140 Behrner Drive Squamish Boardroom 604.892.5211 Drop in for staff 23-Nov 10:00 2:00 Squamish General Hospital 38140 Behrner Drive Squamish Boardroom 604.892.5211 Drop in for staff